Adult Allergy and Asthma

More than 50 million Americans are affected with allergy-related conditions every year. Some of these allergies, such as mild seasonal hay fever can be controlled with over-the counter medicines or with no treatment at all. Other allergies can interfere with your life, reduce your enjoyment in life, and become life threatening. If this is the case, you should see a doctor for a comprehensive review and allergy testing.

When our immune system identifies a substance that is normally harmless as damaging to the body, it triggers the immune system to defend our body. Sometimes the body aggressively attacks normally harmless substances such as dust, mold, or pollen.

The body reacts to the release of the antibodies in various ways. Allergic reactions can attack any part of our body. It can attack the stomach, the nose, throat, sinuses, and lungs. Some of the reactions your body might experience is nasal stuffiness, discharge, sneezing and nasal itching. Sometimes itching in ears or roof of the mouth accompanies the other symptoms.

The eyes can be affected with conjunctivitis or red, itchy, and watery eyes. Skin can be red, itchy, and dry, hives or itchy welts can appear on the skin as well. Asthma is a common form of allergic reaction. Asthma causes shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.

Several substances can cause allergic reactions. In fact, there are hundreds, but the most common allergens or triggers include things we meet often.

Pollen, we can hardly avoid pollen if we spend any time outdoors at all.

Molds can be anywhere, and in your home without you realizing it.

Household dust and dust mites, common in most homes.

Animal dander, urine, or oil from their skin. Many of us have pets and don’t realize what they can do to someone with severe allergies.

Industrial chemicals, these are common in household cleaners.

Foods, such as peanut allergy are often life threatening.

Feathers can cause allergic reactions if you are in a home with a bird.

Insect stings can sometimes be fatal; a bee sting can kill if that person has an allergic reaction to bee stings.

Cockroaches and the waste they produce.

Anyone can be affected by allergies, any race, age, gender, or social status. Allergies seem to be more common in children but an adult can suffer an allergic reaction even after years of remission. Allergies run in families even though it isn’t yet understood why that happens. Allergies can develop gradually over a period and can be caused by hormonal changes, stress, perfume, smoking, and other substances in the environment.

You can discover what allergens you have a reaction to in one of two ways. The first is to have a blood test that measures the antibodies to specific allergens; the other is the skin patch test method. Several well-known allergens are diluted and either injected into the skin or a small amount place under the skin by a puncture or scratch. If a welt appears or a red area on the skin it might mean the patient is allergic to that allergen.

Treatments for allergies will vary and are determined on your age, overall health, and medical history. Consideration will be given when deciding therapy on how bad the disease is, your tolerance of medications, and your preferences. Occasionally a person may only need to change their lifestyle and be sure, their home is dust and mold free.

For some it may mean a change of diet, especially if their allergies are food related. Several different food allergies are common. Reactions can be avoided by staying away from the ones they are sensitive to. For those who are lactose intolerant, many over-the-counter cures will allow you to cope with lactose products. You can enjoy an ice-cream cone without worry.

A peanut allergy can be especially harmful and all items with peanut or peanut oil should be avoided. Most candy makers now print on their packaging if the candy has been made in the same factory where peanut products have been used. This is a potentially life threatening allergy. Always check packaging of all candies to be sure there won’t be a trace of peanut or peanut oil in the product.

Allergies are annoying but controllable if you discover what you are allergic to, and avoid those allergens.

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